SPECTRA celebrates Northern culture and talent by showcasing lightwork from local, national, and international artists. The festival brings life to several key locations, including Union Terrace Gardens, the atmospheric Kirk of St Nicholas, and the iconic Marischal College. Since 2018, a music program has been part of the festival. The SPECTRA Catalyst Conference gathers cultural leaders, artists, and experts from across Europe and the UK to discuss their strategies, successes, and aspirations for cultural development, focusing on Aberdeen.

In 2022, the festival featured works by Scottish and international artists as part of Scotland’s “Year of Stories,” celebrating stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. The 2023 edition, held from 9-12 February, took place across three neighborhoods in Aberdeen.

Dates of the previous/upcoming edition: 08 – 11 February 2024